I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2008 and started this portrait project of people who have RA and other autoimmune diseases as a way to personally cope, and also to spread awareness about invisible illnesses. My hope for this project is to show the world that there are a lot of younger people out there who are dealing with complicated (and often painful) chronic illnesses. Also, I think it is incredibly important for the newly diagnosed to be able to see all of these beautiful, happy faces and know that they are not alone.